Originally posted on VK: 03.08.2026
We continue our introduction to birch plywood production.
After soaking in hot water and cross-cutting, the prepared billets arrive at the peeling line. Each billet is held in the lathe and rotates around its axis, while a special knife removes a continuous thin ribbon of wood: birch veneer.
Veneer thickness is monitored throughout the process. Uniform thickness is essential for correct lay-up, strength and consistent thickness of the finished plywood.
The ribbon then moves to the clipping section, where it is automatically cut into sheets of the required size. Areas with major defects that cannot be used for full-size veneer are separated out.
After clipping, the sheets are carefully stacked and sorted for further processing. At this stage, it is essential to preserve their geometry and prevent damage, creases or tears.
This is how an ordinary birch billet becomes a thin sheet of wood: the foundation of future plywood.
In the next instalment, we will cover one of the key stages of veneer preparation: drying.
